Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 21 Jun 2026, 1:40 AM (Saudi time)
Saudi Arabia restricted entry to Makkah from 13 April 2026 to Hajj permit holders only and suspended Umrah permits from 18 April to 31 May 2026 as the Kingdom prepares for the Hajj pilgrimage beginning around 25 May.
Saudia has launched Hajj 2026 operations with 160 aircraft and over one million seats spanning 145 global destinations, as part of Saudi Arabia's total air transport plan of 3.1 million seats across 12,000 flights.
Saudi Arabia has imposed fines of up to SAR 100,000 for facilitating unauthorised Hajj and up to SAR 20,000 for pilgrims performing Hajj without a permit, alongside 10-year re-entry bans for violators.
Saudi Arabia Introduces Madinah Transport Changes Ahead of Hajj 2026 as Pilgrimage Travel Routes Shift During Eid Season—What Visitors Should Prepare For Travel And Tour World
APTOPIX Saudi Arabia Hajj galvnews.com
Saudi Says Indonesian Hajj Service Has Jumped Far VOI.id
Muslim pilgrims have begun arriving in Mina, near Mecca, ahead of the start of Arafah Day.
Hajj 2026 LIVE: Muslims begin pilgrimage in Mecca The Lufkin Daily News
Muslims begin Hajj pilgrimage in Makkah amid Iran war threat Qatar Tribune